RFU to investigate controversial Leeds Carnegie clash (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

RFU to investigate controversial Leeds Carnegie clash

4:20pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in Sport By Sports Desk

The Rugby Football Union has launched a review of last weekend’s Championship fixture between Leeds Carnegie and Plymouth Albion.

The game, won 34-16 by Leeds, went to uncontested scrums after just 13 minutes.

It is understood that match referee Matt Carley made the decision after early scrums collapsed when Headingley Carnegie’s new £1million pitch began cutting up.

It was the the first time Leeds Carnegie had played on the surface, although Super League champions Leeds Rhinos took on Wakefield there in a Boxing Day friendly.

In a statement, the RFU said: “The RFU is reviewing the circumstances that led to the RFU Championship fixture, Leeds Carnegie v Plymouth Albion, on Sunday, January 6 moving to uncontested scrums after 13 minutes of play.

“A statement will be made in due course.”

Whether or not the RFU order a replay remains to be seen.

Leeds’ bonus-point victory took them fourth in the Championship table as they marked their first game on home soil for three months after playing away while the new pitch was laid.

It is is understood, though, that players on both sides were baffled by Carley’s decision to opt for uncontested scrums.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Plymouth coach John Roberts told the club’s official website.

“Our players were fine with it and wanted to carry on scrummaging.

“I am not sure what will happen next, but if the pitch wasn’t good enough to play on, it shouldn’t have been played on.”